In academic publishing, the role of the corresponding author is critical. This individual is responsible for manuscript submission, peer review communication, and post-publication inquiries. In multi-author English papers, especially those involving international collaborations, the arrangement of corresponding authors often raises questions. While many journals still designate a single corresponding author, an increasing number allow multiple corresponding authors. However, the sequence in which these authors are listed requires careful consideration. This article explains how to reasonably arrange the order of corresponding authors in an English research paper, focusing on common practices, journal requirements, and disciplinary conventions. The goal is to help researchers clarify responsibilities and avoid conflicts during manuscript preparation.
Before discussing the order, it is essential to understand the core responsibilities of the corresponding author. In traditional academic publishing, the corresponding author is usually the principal investigator or the senior author who oversees the entire study. They handle all editorial correspondence, ensure compliance with journal policies, and serve as the point of contact for readers. In many life science and medical journals, the last author is often the corresponding author. However, in fields such as physics or engineering, the first author may also serve as the corresponding author. In English papers, the corresponding author is typically marked with an asterisk (*) or a superscript symbol, and the order among multiple corresponding authors must be clearly indicated in the author list. Clarifying these responsibilities early helps maintain fairness and transparency throughout the publication process.
Different journals have varying rules regarding the order of corresponding authors. Some journals, especially those following the "Vancouver style," do not allow more than two corresponding authors. Others, such as high-impact multidisciplinary journals, permit multiple corresponding authors but require them to be listed in a specific sequence. For example, Nature and Science typically designate a single corresponding author, while open-access journals like PLOS ONE allow multiple. Authors should carefully read the journal's "Author Guidelines" before submission. Some journals also require a "Contributions" section or a "Corresponding Author" declaration, where the specific responsibilities of each corresponding author are clarified. If the journal does not specify a preferred order, the most common practice is to list the senior corresponding author first, followed by co-corresponding authors based on their contribution level or alphabetical order. Always verify the journal's policy, as non-compliance can lead to rejection or delays in peer review.
The arrangement of corresponding authors often depends on the research discipline. In life sciences and biomedicine, the last author is traditionally the corresponding author, representing the lab head or the project leader. If there are multiple corresponding authors, the last author usually remains the primary contact, while additional corresponding authors are listed before or after the last author. In contrast, in chemistry, physics, and engineering, the first author is frequently the corresponding author, especially when they are a junior researcher or a postdoctoral fellow. In collaborative projects involving multiple institutions, the corresponding author order can reflect the degree of oversight or funding responsibility. For international collaborations, cultural customs also play a role. In some Asian countries, the senior author's name is placed last, while in Nordic or North American groups, alphabetical order may be preferred. Understanding these disciplinary and cultural nuances helps authors reach a consensus more smoothly.
When multiple researchers share the corresponding author role, it is wise to establish the order early in the writing process. Start by holding a discussion among all co-authors, especially those who will handle correspondence. Consider the following factors: the overall contribution to the study design, data analysis, and manuscript writing; the funder's requirements; and the career stage of each researcher. For instance, early-career researchers often benefit from being listed as the first or a prominent corresponding author. Next, check the target journal's policy on multiple corresponding authors. Some journals require the names to be listed in the order they appear in the manuscript, while others allow authors to specify a "primary corresponding author." If the journal does not provide guidance, a common and fair approach is to list corresponding authors in descending order of responsibility. Alternatively, you may list them in alphabetical order if contributions are equal, but this should be stated in the author contributions section. After reaching an agreement, document the decision in an email or written note to avoid future disputes.
Once the order is decided, you must clearly indicate it in the manuscript. Typically, each corresponding author's name is marked with a superscript symbol, such as an asterisk (*), dagger (?), or double dagger (?). In the author list, these symbols appear next to the corresponding authors' names. At the bottom of the title page or the first page, include a line stating: "Correspondence to: [Name A], [Name B], etc." Some journals require the sequence of names in this line to match the order in the author list. Additionally, many journals ask for email addresses of all corresponding authors, listed in the same order. If a journal allows a primary corresponding author, that person's email should be listed first. In the "Author Contributions" section, you can specify the roles of each corresponding author, such as "A.B. and C.D. supervised the project and served as co-corresponding authors." Always double-check the final version to ensure symbols and footnotes are consistent, as errors in formatting can cause confusion during the submission process.
Even experienced researchers sometimes make mistakes in arranging corresponding author order. One common error is listing multiple corresponding authors without explaining their roles, which can confuse editors and readers. Another mistake is changing the order after the manuscript has been submitted, which often requires approval from all co-authors and can delay the publication process. To avoid these issues, it is best to finalize the order before submission and include a clear statement in the cover letter or the author contributions section. Additionally, avoid listing a corresponding author who does not have access to the email account or who is unavailable during the review period, as this can cause communication breakdowns. Also, be cautious when using the "equal contribution" label alongside corresponding author tags. Some journals have specific rules about marking equal contributions among corresponding authors. Always confirm with the journal's editorial office if you are unsure. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can streamline the submission process and enhance collaboration.
The order of corresponding authors can significantly impact a researcher's academic reputation and career advancement. In many institutions and funding agencies, being listed as a corresponding author—especially the first or primary one—is recognized as a mark of leadership and responsibility. For early-career researchers, serving as a corresponding author for a well-published paper can strengthen their CV and grant applications. However, if multiple corresponding authors are listed, the order may influence how credit is allocated. Some databases, such as Scopus and Web of Science, may only index the first corresponding author, making it harder for co-corresponding authors to receive proper recognition. To address this, some journals now allow authors to specify a "co-corresponding author" database entry. Authors should discuss these implications before finalizing the order. Open communication about career goals and publication credit can help build a healthy collaborative environment. Ultimately, the arrangement should reflect genuine contributions and not be used as a political tool.
The academic publishing landscape is evolving, and the concept of corresponding author order is also changing. With the rise of interdisciplinary research and global collaborations, more journals are adopting flexible policies on multiple corresponding authors. Some journals now allow the use of "corresponding author" badges in online profiles, which can help track contributions more accurately. Additionally, preprint servers and open-access platforms often treat corresponding author order as metadata, which can affect discoverability. As a researcher, it is advisable to stay updated on the latest policies of your target journal. Discuss the corresponding author order with collaborators at the initial stage of the project, rather than after the manuscript is complete. Use tools like ORCID to ensure each corresponding author's contributions are properly recorded. In summary, the arrangement of corresponding authors should be fair, transparent, and consistent with journal guidelines. By following these recommendations, you can enhance your manuscript's chances of acceptance and promote a positive experience for all involved.
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